Your Guide To... Taking Care Of Down There
Essentials|February 2020
From boosting your sex life to spotting symptoms, we reveal all you need to know to keep your vagina healthy
Your Guide To... Taking Care Of Down There

Every second person has one, yet for some reason, most of us are way too embarrassed to talk about our vaginas. But this lack of intimate chat may be doing our private parts harm, as we’re just not giving them the care and attention they need. So we’re here to talk about them loud and proud, and reveal exactly what you need to do to take care down there.

A FINE BALANCE

This organ is vital for our sex lives, childbirth and menstrual cycles. And like other fragile areas of our bodies, the vagina needs gentle, regular care. ‘Women have great skincare regimes for their face, neck and hands, but they rarely have the same for their intimate area,’ says gynaecologist Tania Adib.

Our vaginas are a delicate balance of hormones – oestrogen and progesterone – and beneficial bacteria. The bacteria help maintain an immune barrier, protecting us from any unwanted pathogens, such as yeast. ‘This is especially important if you’re prone to thrush or urinary tract infections (UTIs), or have been on antibiotics,’ explains nutritionist Marta Anhelush.

Our hormones play an essential role, too. ‘Oestrogen is important to promote healthy epithelial (thin tissue) and connective tissue of the vagina, which ensures there’s sufficient lubrication to prevent infections and support sexual function,’ advises Marta. ‘As we get older, our oestrogen levels drop,’ adds Marta. ‘This can have a significant impact on the structure of the vaginal tissue, leading to dryness, pain during intercourse, a higher risk of infections, general discomfort and a decrease in libido.’

This story is from the February 2020 edition of Essentials.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the February 2020 edition of Essentials.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ESSENTIALSView All
Find Balance In A Wired World
Essentials

Find Balance In A Wired World

Tech was supposed to make life easier, but have our days got more, not less, pressured? Here’s how to reclaim your time and your sanity by managing your online habits

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
Essentials

Food To Boost Your Mood

Are you feeling stressed out or lacking energy? Turns out can eat your way to happiness

time-read
1 min  |
June 2020
Are You Eating Your Emotions?
Essentials

Are You Eating Your Emotions?

Lots of us reach for food when we’re down, stressed or tired. Here’s why we do it – and how to break the cycle, fast!

time-read
5 mins  |
June 2020
‘I dream of having A VINEYARD'
Essentials

‘I dream of having A VINEYARD'

AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS SCARLETT JOHANSSON ON PLAYING COMPLEX FEMALE CHARACTERS, RAISING HER DAUGHTER AND CO-PARENTING AFTER A DIVORCE

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN
Essentials

MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN

MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2020
FOCUS ON AVOIDING GERMS
Essentials

FOCUS ON AVOIDING GERMS

Staying well has become our biggest priority. Fight the nasties with this expert insight

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
HOW DO YOU FIND LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC?
Essentials

HOW DO YOU FIND LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC?

Life as we know it has changed – with social distancing and curfews putting nights out on hold, we find out if romance is off the table, too

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
DITCH THE GUILT FOR GOOD
Essentials

DITCH THE GUILT FOR GOOD

Are you carrying remorse, regret and guilt around with you? You’re not alone...

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2020
DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T LAUNCH MY OWN BUSINESS AGED 40
Essentials

DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T LAUNCH MY OWN BUSINESS AGED 40

BUSY MOM LUCY PARLEY WANTED TO EMBRACE HER CREATIVITY

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2020
Don't Tell Me I Can't: Rediscover My Childhood Hobby
Essentials

Don't Tell Me I Can't: Rediscover My Childhood Hobby

Esther Wane realised it was a shame to leave her talents in the past

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2020